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U.S. Sen. Tina Smith visits Westridge Place

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith paid a visit to New Ulm’s Westridge Place to see an example of a new pod model day care. Pod model day care is a new licensing method in Minnesota that allows up to four in-home day care providers to operate out of the same building. Instead of a single day care center operating out of the building, four independent day care businesses can run from the same location. Locally, this model of been successful at retaining and recruiting day care providers Smith was excited to see this model being implemented successfully in Minnesota. The Senator was well aware of the day care shortage in Minnesota and commented that child care was key to the state’s economic infrastructure. For years, the city of New Ulm has been working to resolve child care shortages, but Smith’s visit shows the community is not alone in finding solutions. This issue is on the federal government’s radar.

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New Ulm and Sleepy Eye fire departments

Recently Verne and Sandy Radloff of rural Essig recommended New Ulm and Sleepy Eye firefighters receive a thumbs up for their quick response for extinguishing a grass fire on their farm property. The Journal is an absolute agreement. New Ulm and Sleepy Eye Fire Departments deserve a great deal of praise for their work over the last two weeks. Both departments have responded to a rash of fires. SEFD responded to six calls since March 13. NUFD responded to three grass fires since March 12 and then a serious fire at the Colonial Inn, Thursday afternoon. The quick response from both departments has help minimize damage and injuries.

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Stray cigarette litter

There is never a good reason to throw litter from a moving vehicle, but it is especially irresponsible to toss a cigarette out a window during a dry period. Verne and Sandy Radloff said the possible cause of the grass fire on their property last Tuesday was a cigarette thrown out a vehicle window. It may never be proven a cigarette was responsible for this grass fire, but it would not be the first time a stray butt resulted in a fire.

There are numerous health risks connected to smoking cigarettes and that includes the fire risks. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources placed a burning restriction for most of the state. On March 16, National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for 41 counties in Minnesota, including Brown County. During these warnings, people are advised against starting fires. These restrictions should include warnings against improper disposal of a cigarettes.

One cigarette discarded on the ground may seem like a small thing, but under certain conditions that small act can lead to big problems.